Handstop Review #1: Gear Sector

WHAT:Gear Sector Handstop, a small, CNC-machined aluminum handstop which attaches securely to a 1913 picatinny rail with a hex-key screw. One side is "smooth" and comfortable against the palm of the hand, the other flattened and "sharp" which is ideal for support against barricades. The Gear sector handstop retails for around $40.

WHEN: I have been employing the Gear Sector handstop for 5 months now on a mid-length AR-15 rifle.

WHERE: This handstop has been employed in 3-gun competition over my time using it.

HOW:

The Skinny: I really like the gear sector over a couple other handstops/forward grips I have used. It is incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and produces a "bite" into a barricade should you need it. I have pretty much exclusively moved to handstops from vertical grips and the Magpul AFG. Those types of grips are just too heavy and bulky for my use. I think the Gear sector is one of my top choices for a rail-mount forward weapon control device. The downside of this handstop is if you are using a tube-style free float rail. When using the Gear Sector with my Samson Evolution rail, I had to install one of the short picatinny rail sections on the bottom of the rail to install it. This left an appreciable, sharp "ledge" on the bottom of the rail as well as adding some unnecessary weight to the muzzle of the rifle. While this is not a deal breaker, a direct mount to the newer style tube-rails would be perfect. Also, it is a bit pricey for a tiny piece of "rail estate."

FINAL WORD:8 out of 10 (preferred), with points off for price and picatinny mount-only.

My Rating System (out of 10)

1-4: Do Not Buy. Complete or near-complete trash

5-6 : Would take for free from a friend

7: Would buy and take a flyer on/would give to a friend

8: Preferred, would happily buy

9: Preferred, would pre-order or anxiously await release

10: Must-have, would troll Equipment Exchange and/or sign up for email alerts in order to procure

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About Me

I am a recreational and competitive shooter who began life hunting religiously and eventually became a state champion sporting clays shooter. Now I compete in carbine and 3-gun matches in my home state of GA. I enjoy discussing and building firearms and am happy to have the opportunity to blog on behalf of Strongside Tactical.